ND Catholic Conference on Hobby Lobby ruling

Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case is an important step toward re-securing the religious freedoms upon which our country was founded and that are essential to human dignity.

No one should be required to give up their religious freedoms as a condition for running a business. In a country founded on the principles of both economic liberty and religious freedom, the two should not be incompatible.

Moreover, people have a natural right to pursue economic opportunities, as well as a right to provide public services. Denying this right to people who hold sincere religious beliefs is an offense to the dignity of the human person and ultimately undermines community.

While today’s victory is limited in its scope to certain for-profit companies, let us hope that it indicates that religious freedom will be secured for those who provide charitable and other services as well.